Why this is our best shot since I've been a fan

I've been a die-hard fan since 1991, and probably haven't missed more than 7-8 games since. Below are the key reasons why I believe this is the best I've ever seen this team play, and why they have their best shot at winning since I started watching them.


- They dominate the LOS. Great teams rely on an ability to push the LOS forward on offense and collapse it on defense. After watching us demolish a 10-0 team, predicated on LOS dominance, I'm convinced that we have, at worst, well above average lines. This becomes a magnified benefit once December arrives.

- The running game. We have the best run blocking I've seen since 2002, one RB who is finding the lanes and consistently giving us yards and beating up the defenses. We also have the best change of pace back in the game, and one whom a defense knows can score on any passing or running play.

- The passing game. This team doesn't have the rhythym or blocking that the 1998 team had, but both are improving rapidly. Where they were previously missing a 3rd down cushion, Keller is fast becoming that. Our WR's are balanced. Neither are upper echelon, but both can beat single coverage and give us an option that safetys must prepare for. With Keller, Leon, Baker, and Jones, we have above average receivers in the TE and RB position that a defense must plan for, further freeing up the WR's on typical plays. In Keller, we have a future pro-bowler (possibly) emerging, one whom after last week, where safety's were at such a disadvantage that they were drawing penalties, will start seeing double teams from safetys and LB'ers, further helping the running game and WR downfield spacing. Let's not forget a QB with about the same smarts as Pennington, one that improvises, and one that can makes every throw. I still remain fearful that the SOJ with Favre's tendency to throw big-moment INT's is a lingering combo.

- Our defensive front. The 3-4 is about the NT drawing the double and creating a 9 on 10 game. Jenkins is beating double teams, causing such chaos that the Jets own the center of the LOS on every play. W/O Jenkins everything changes. With him, everyone is rolling. Add Pace who's been a monster, Ellis who's looking great, Bryan Thomas who's not taking the year off and you've got something special. If we see an ounce of Gholston's potential(...), things get even better. Barton's having a sick year (please no stupid penalties), and David Harris, who has been out during this surge. will make things even better.

- The pass defense been a weak spot, but it's crawling with upside. We've been killed in this dimension, mostly by crossing patterns, slants, and our prevent defense. Revis has been great. The LB's and S's have been horrible in coverage so far. Lowery's been great for a 4th round pick, but is a liability. That said, T-Law gives us a CB top-2 that is top tier in the NFL. Lowery and the rest of the CB's will be better in nickel and dime's - and we'll be tested against Denver this week. This area remains our top risk, with Manning and Roethlisberger looming, should we make the playoffs.

- Special Teams - Westhoff always has disciplined ST's. We've been blessed here. Wallace Wright and Brad Smith are always in on plays, and never (so far - no jinx please) while never dropping contain. Add Leon to the mix, opposing teams always are thinking twice about kicking to us, and on every ST play, there's a chance we'll score - that changes how opposing ST''s play us.

- Coaching - With Herm, I knew we'd be mediocre with an artificial ceiling. Mangini and co are young, but smart. They do make mistakes, but they're also game smart, ultra prepared, and are getting better each game. They're not Parcells or Belichek (the 98 team's primary greatness was due to Parcells, Belichek, Weiss being the most talented CS of all time) - but they're well above average and they play to win games - though the prevent defense is killing me!

- Favre - In August, I felt that Brett was a great QB, whose myth inflated his true potential and abilities. I was wrong. First, Favre is not the sole reason we've gone from 4-12 to 8-3. The FO had a masterful offseason before August and with Chad we would still be competing for a playoff spot, and maybe the conference. What Favre does is take us from a team that would beat the bad and mediocre teams, to a team that can beat every opponent. He's a QB that makes plays, instills confidence, improves the team's intangible quotient, and forces opposing teams to prepare differently. He's also a bad weather QB - which you CAN NOT discount in terms of the Meadowlands and playoff football. Where Chad discounted the Meadowlands home field advantage, FAvre multiplies it. Favre is built to play in cold weather.

- Tangini - I trust this combo. I really do. Coming from a guy who detested Herm/Bradway and second guesses everything, I've become a fan who believes that Woody wants to win and has provided 100% of his check book and trust to 2 guys who I equally trust. We're in good hands with this crew (unless Mangini gets another inflated ego and deflated stomach). This crew and their offseason has given us the ability to win now, while AT THE SAME TIME, provided with a talented nucleus of youth that is not going anywhere!!!

Since, the Jax game in 98 this is the best I've felt. That said, in 98, the knowledge that Denver was out there always tempered our exuberance. They were the favorite and it wasn't close. This year, that team does not exist. We just demolished the 10-0 beast, and the league's real beast is in the NFC. We're still improving, and with the competition as it stands and barring injury, this is our best shot at the SB since I've been a fan.

Go Jets and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Sorry if you were a fan - Herm was a disaster. Absolute disaster. Makes this team (they're prepared and coached) that much more enjoyable. Herm was a magnificent cheerleader, but his inability to manage a game and recognize talent, while constantly making excuses lead to a disaster.